On the question of strong interchain dimerization of polarons

Summary form only given. As models for the structure of oxidized polythiophene, several methoxythiophene oligomers have been synthesized and oxidized. It has been shown that the stable cation radicals (polaron models) are strongly /spl pi/-dimerized in solution. These cation radicals form conducting solids containing ion radical aggregates. Because the materials do not have long conjugated chains the conductivity must involve interchain aggregates. This demonstrates the importance of /spl pi/-dimers and /spl pi/-aggregates in the conductivity of conjugated polymers like oxidized polythiophene.